Boxing clever with new food venture in Peterborough

The Fig & Fox Company was launched by hospitality professionals Laura Lee and James Margetts to bring the best local produce to customers in the style of a food subscription box and high-end meal kits.

Laura is the former catering manger at Burghley House in Stamford, and James’s background as a chef boasts Michelin Star training under the likes of Gordon Ramsey, Marco Pierre White and Raymond Blanc.

Laura and James have been out of work and shielding since March to protect their one-year old son, Harrison, who has been recovering from open heart surgery. Harrison suffers from a series of rare heart defects that cause insufficient oxygen levels to be pumped around his body. His parents knew that him contracting the virus could prove fatal and they have spent their time protecting him and coming up with a business plan to support the family in the future.

The couple have rounded up produce from the tastiest local businesses to produce meal kits with a premium twist. James’s culinary background means their service isn’t just for people wanting convenience but also for those who want to impress with their cooking skills.

The meal kits offer incredible tasting ingredients from local businesses within a 50-mile radius of Peterborough, including Yau’s Orientals Food (Peterborough) and Infini Teas (Stamford).

Every month The Foxbox, which is their subscription box, features food and drink samples from different businesses to help them promote their products. Laura and James want households to be more aware of these products and encourage people to shop local.

Laura said of starting up The Fig & Fox Company: “The Coronavirus pandemic has made a huge impact personally and professionally. We’re all starting to appreciate how a little goes a long way and the importance of supporting each other. Not only is The Fig & Fox Company a channel for us to promote local trade but will hopefully be an opportunity to gain some balance through an uncertain future.

“I know how much hard work small business owners put into their trade and it’s so sad to see how many have struggled through the pandemic. We hope our new venture can promote buying local.”

James continued: “I remember me and Laura talking about how sad and helpless we felt about the impact the pandemic was having on the food industry and most importantly our friends. We knew we had to do something to help.

“People want to support small businesses but sometimes don’t know how or where to go. We’ve eliminated that element and our delivery boxes are made up of specialist products from local suppliers.”

The Fig & Fox Company will be taking orders through their website www.thefigandfoxcompany.co.uk and start delivering boxes from September. Local businesses who wish to enquire about teaming up with the new start-up can email [email protected] to find out more.